Sell me on a new wrench set...

[Odd-job]

diversify a bit

What are you diversifying from? What length and features do you currently have in your set(s) for automotive use?

Edit: After reading more thoroughly have narrowed what you want down to regular combo, polished, non marring, potentially shorter length wrenches. Do you "need" non-skips? Any preferences for wrench profile? Do those Snap Ons cut into your hands too much?!? Would 6 pt be considered a diversification?

I'll admit I am also confused. Your handle has "Cheapo" in it, but doesn't sound like you're exactly cheap as you are willing to spend between $0 and $499 as per your first post.

 

[dchawk81]

I have an excuse to buy a new set of SAE combination wrenches, say 5/16"-3/4" or so. This is for a light duty indoor application. No corrosion, no high torque, only very occasional use.

I want something of good quality, but not really looking to drop $500 with Snap On for this application. I already have those in the garage for automotive use.

I initially thought of Wright, which are reasonably priced and American made, but all I could find is the toothed WrightGrip 2,0 in sets?

I do not want to mar these fasteners, so any kind of FD+, WrightGrip, etc is out. Smooth open ends required.

What say ye, GJ?

Why can't you walk out to the garage and fetch whatever you need for the occasional indoor use?

 

[L.Cheapo]

What are you diversifying from? What length and features do you currently have in your set(s) for automotive use?

Edit: After reading more thoroughly have narrowed what you want down to regular combo, polished, non marring, potentially shorter length wrenches. Do you "need" non-skips? Any preferences for wrench profile? Do those Snap Ons cut into your hands too much?!? Would 6 pt be considered a diversification?

I'll admit I am also confused. Your handle has "Cheapo" in it, but doesn't sound like you're exactly cheap as you are willing to spend between $0 and $499 as per your first post.

Most of my wrenches are Snap On. I still have my first set of RP Craftsmans from the mid 90s, because why not, but all the others are S-O. Regular length, extra long, high performance double box end, flare nut--all Snap On. Those live in my toolbox for automotive/equipment repair. Rusty stuff, dirty stuff. I don't find they cut into my hands. I enjoy using them.

My tools live in a hobby workshop about 20 minutes from my house. The wrenches I seek for this thread are to maintain/adjust/repair one particular machine in my house. It is a very clean, low torque, indoor, never rusty application. Yes, non-skips, as there are some odd sizes involved. Profile isn't too important, just no sharp corners, lol. Shorter is better, just nothing extra long. 12 point on the box end. There are tight spaces to deal with.

I'll also be getting a set of sockets too. I already ordered some Bondhus hex keys and a number of other tools for this. This set of tools is solely to avoid the hassle of turning a 2 minute adjustment/repair into an hour long ordeal going and getting the tools from off site. And if I forget those tools at home and need them in the workshop, that's be annoying too. Also, while I do wipe my tools after every use, I can't get every bit of dirt/grease out of every orifice all the time, and that would be an issue in the home application. I also want this tool kit to be mobile.

Ten years ago, all the good usernames were taken. And I'm a fan of irony. The fastest and easiest thing to do here is to hop on the Snap On truck and get another set of their wrenches. But I do want to try something else out there, and since this is an incredibly low stress application, I feel it's my opportunity.

Thanks for asking, hope this helps!

 

[L.Cheapo]

Why can't you walk out to the garage and fetch whatever you need for the occasional indoor use?

Most of my tools live off site in a hobby workshop where I do automotive/equipment repair. It is important these tools be completely clean. I'm also building a mobile kit for this application so everything is together all the time. And who here doesn't like excuses for more tools?

 

[Firebrick43]

I have the craftsman V series, metric and sae in the holders. They are not my main set of wrench’s not my favorite but the holders are awesome.

I still like my weights, then snap ons, and even stahlwille better but they are better than my older craftsman USA wrenches.

I have a hazet 190l box that is my mobile set and they fit perfectly in them and would work well in a bag as well.

Recently I probably have been using them more as most of my work has been fixing cars for friends it seems at there place or on the road

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have both wrenches (in Metric). They seem very comparable to me. The Tektons are thicker and heavier.

The C-Mans are lighter, thinner, and more rounded (in just about every dimension). They're also slightly shorter. They feel more "delicate". I haven't had much chance to use them yet, so I can't say if they're just as durable.

They seem to fit fasteners the same as best as my non-professional eye can tell.

A lot comes down to personal preference.

I have a lot more faith in Tekton's support, but that wasn't mentioned as a consideration so far.

Very helpful to see them side by side, thank you! I like them both for different reasons. Not really concerned with support.

 

[MovingAlong]

This is for a light duty indoor application. No corrosion, no high torque, only very occasional use.

Honestly, is there a wrench set being made anywhere today that couldn't satisfy these requirements?

 

[L.Cheapo]

Honestly, is there a wrench set being made anywhere today that couldn't satisfy these requirements?

Probably not! But after reading thousands of positive GJ posts over the years about different brands I don't yet own, I'd like to try one/some of them. That's how I found Ko-Ken clip type spark plug sockets, and I do love those.

 

[dchawk81]

Most of my tools live off site in a hobby workshop where I do automotive/equipment repair. It is important these tools be completely clean. I'm also building a mobile kit for this application so everything is together all the time. And who here doesn't like excuses for more tools?

10-4. Just curious.

 

[Odd-job]

Most of my wrenches are Snap On. I still have my first set of RP Craftsmans from the mid 90s, because why not, but all the others are S-O. Regular length, extra long, high performance double box end, flare nut--all Snap On. Those live in my toolbox for automotive/equipment repair. Rusty stuff, dirty stuff. I don't find they cut into my hands. I enjoy using them.

My tools live in a hobby workshop about 20 minutes from my house. The wrenches I seek for this thread are to maintain/adjust/repair one particular machine in my house. It is a very clean, low torque, indoor, never rusty application. Yes, non-skips, as there are some odd sizes involved. Profile isn't too important, just no sharp corners, lol. Shorter is better, just nothing extra long. 12 point on the box end. There are tight spaces to deal with.

I'll also be getting a set of sockets too. I already ordered some Bondhus hex keys and a number of other tools for this. This set of tools is solely to avoid the hassle of turning a 2 minute adjustment/repair into an hour long ordeal going and getting the tools from off site. And if I forget those tools at home and need them in the workshop, that's be annoying too. Also, while I do wipe my tools after every use, I can't get every bit of dirt/grease out of every orifice all the time, and that would be an issue in the home application. I also want this tool kit to be mobile.

Ten years ago, all the good usernames were taken. And I'm a fan of irony. The fastest and easiest thing to do here is to hop on the Snap On truck and get another set of their wrenches. But I do want to try something else out there, and since this is an incredibly low stress application, I feel it's my opportunity.

Thanks for asking, hope this helps!

Thanks for the additional info. Luckily Snap On basically makes everything else seem cheap. Polished SAEs eliminates most of the Euro and Japanese offerings...

But maybe Wera jokers for something interesting with a 12 pt open end?

Wera 020241 Joker Combination SAE Wrench Set, 8 Pieces | Wera at KC Tool

6004 series Joker combination metric SAE set Includes: 5/16" x 115 mm 3/8" x 125 mm 7/16" x 135 mm 1/2" x 160 mm 9/16" x 167 mm 5/8" x 182 mm 11/16" x 210 m...

www.kctool.com

Would be good to find something with a deeper offset like the Gedore 1s, but they and the Stahwille/Heyco equivalents only come in satin.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Thanks for the additional info. Luckily Snap On basically makes everything else seem cheap. Polished SAEs eliminates most of the Euro and Japanese offerings...

But maybe Wera jokers for something interesting with a 12 pt open end?

Wera 020241 Joker Combination SAE Wrench Set, 8 Pieces | Wera at KC Tool

6004 series Joker combination metric SAE set Includes: 5/16" x 115 mm 3/8" x 125 mm 7/16" x 135 mm 1/2" x 160 mm 9/16" x 167 mm 5/8" x 182 mm 11/16" x 210 m...

www.kctool.com

Would be good to find something with a deeper offset like the Gedore 1s, but they and the Stahwille/Heyco equivalents only come in satin.

Thanks! I looked at the Jokers, even watched a couple YouTube videos about them. I think they're cool, but the open end isn't what I'm looking for this time. I want two parallel fully smooth faces.

 

[mreisner]

Snap on makes double open ended smooth wrenches. And don’t make any double open end wrenches with flank drive grooves. I know because I was looking for one flank drive double open end wrench in 17 19 for something real specific and was real disappointed they don’t make them

 

[mreisner]

Not sure if they make Mac knuckle Savers in short length but I know they have them in longer length and they have a smooth jaw on them.

 

[bobg03]

Hell, I'll be that guy. The $59 Icon set has the range of sizes you mentioned with the open end style you want, they're chrome and guarantied for life.
Like you said you're not performing brain surgery...

 

[L.Cheapo]

Hell, I'll be that guy. The $59 Icon set has the range of sizes you mentioned with the open end style you want, they're chrome and guarantied for life.
Like you said you're not performing brain surgery...

On the list of consideration. The novelty factor of a $59 wrench set is equal to that of the $1.50 Costco hotdog and soda. Hard to resist. But they're actually more than Tekton and don't have the storage factor of the V series or Tekton, which are definitely pluses.

 

[Odd-job]

Nepros if you are feeling that life is too short:

nepros Combination Wrenches, SAE (NMS2)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

Otherwise I vote for Craftsman/Facom so long as it comes with the compact wrench holder.

 

[lardy1]

The last thing I need are more combination wrenches but if I was in the market for imports I'd be grabbing those Craftsman V series. I'm pretty intrigues by them but already have way more wrenches than I need.

 

[dchawk81]

I bought some Hart (Walmart) combo wrenches on a lark because they were dirt cheap and they're surprisingly decent. I've used them on my semi truck so I'm sure they'd be fine in the house.

Just a thought if COO and making billionaire alcoholics more billionaire alcoholicy isn't a moral concern.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Nepros if you are feeling that life is too short:

nepros Combination Wrenches, SAE (NMS2)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

Otherwise I vote for Craftsman/Facom so long as it comes with the compact wrench holder.

Thanks! Those are cool. But their set is only 6 pieces with tons of skips and making it the size of everyone else's set I'd be paying more than Snap On...in which case, I'd just get another set of Snap On--which was my initial plan before the idea for this thread entered my brain.

 

[GarageHobbyist]

I'll throw another vote in for Tekton. Easy/Fast warranty if you ever need it as well.

 

[Wamsutta]

I want something of good quality, but not really looking to drop $500 with Snap On for this application. I already have those in the garage for automotive use.

So have you tried Snap-on wrenches before? They have a totally different feel to them from anything else on the market.

 

[richfinn]

So have you tried Snap-on wrenches before? They have a totally different feel to them from anything else on the market.

Yes, he said he already has some in the garage for automotive use.

I have Snap-Ons too.

They "ain't all that" in my opinion, too slippery and a bit uncomfortable in use

 

[L.Cheapo]

So have you tried Snap-on wrenches before? They have a totally different feel to them from anything else on the market.

I have a drawer full of them. I do like them. And I may still go with them. We'll see how willing the man is to wheel and deal on a set next Wednesday. I want to see what all the chatter is about these other brands and try something different.

I forgot I do have two sets of gearwrench ratcheting wrenches in the cardboard box of misfit tools under my toolbox. Due to their flaking chrome with extremely little use, that brand is out, if they even make combination wrenches.

 

[KnurledNut]

This thread would have been much more streamlined if it started out something like this:

Criteria:
Fractional 12 point combination wrench set.
Short to standard pattern. No XL.
Full polish chrome.
Minimum 5/16-3/4. No skips.
Good quality. Price of no concern.
Smooth open end. Thin box end. No sharp corners.
COO USA preferred. EU, JP, TW considered.
Functional/efficient/portable storage a plus.
No SK.
Something besides Snap-on, but may get Snap-on anyway.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have a drawer full of them. I do like them. And I may still go with them. We'll see how willing the man is to wheel and deal on a set next Wednesday. I want to see what all the chatter is about these other brands and try something different.

I forgot I do have two sets of gearwrench ratcheting wrenches in the cardboard box of misfit tools under my toolbox. Due to their flaking chrome with extremely little use, that brand is out, if they even make combination wrenches.

I like them for how maneuverable and agile they are. That wide thin profile allows me to flip them around across my finger tips very quickly and effortlessly. I've gotten so used to them, anything else feels cheap and not very well thought out.

 

[Wamsutta]

double post

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Can you wait for garage sales? Sae are what I see most at them. If they don't have to be all one brand, then Harry Epstein has mixed sets.

In the old days, the old timers (one recommended to me) to get a set of dual open end and a set of dual box end.

 

[SwissMetric]

Stahlwille 14 are great tools, but they are not available in SAE sizes that OP has requested.

The Stahlwille combination spanner OPEN-BOX 14 (only metric) is the long version of the OPEN-BOX 13 (metric and imperial) but one must be aware that both ends of the 14 are thicker than the ones of the 13. I didn't compare all the respective a1 and a2 dimensions in the PDF catalog, e.g. the ring heights are identical for the 6 mm but overall the 14 should be considered as a complement to the 13 as in some cases the 14 can't be used instead of a 13.

The small combination spanner is the OPEN-BOX 16, only metric 3.2 to 5 mm, expensive but extremely useful.

There is also the 130a combination spanner, only imperial.

The large combination spanner is the 4014 (only metric 65 to 80 mm) but for larger sizes and torques the "5" heavy-duty ring spanners with separate tubular handle are more convenient (metric 24 to 100 mm). The handle is a thick-wall tube with a small hole for the locking ball of the spanner, any strong enough tube with compatible inner diameter can be used. I believe the 5 is not made by Stahlwille.

There are also other combinations spanners, the English edition "CATALOGUE 2020/2021" (PDF, 399 pages) can easily be found, AFAIK the current EN, DE and FR editions are still 2020/2021, for a few less common languages the editions are more recent (!).

As side note, some Stahlwille wrenches are not stamped with the complete designation, for example there are different STABIL series which are only marked STABIL, i.e. without the corresponding number. So make sure to not confuse the different STABIL and check it in the catalog. Also sadly many great tools are no longer available, especially also a lot of imperial tools.

(I'm unrelated to Stahlwille or any distributor or reseller, I know their tools because historically they were the most widespread among professionals here excepted screwdrivers (PB) before Asian-made tools started flooding the market. I try to remain neutral, some Stahlwille tools are bad and still overpriced while the most aretop-notch, here referring to the tools really made internally as a lot is now just purchased externally, IMO the worst example is the overpriced crappy 12932 padlock, it's just a cheap one stamped STAHLWILLE).

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I actually bought all new Wrights yesterday (I wanted the Wright Grip), but I think if I was after the same thing as you I'd probably go for a set of Williams if USA made matters. If not, any Taiwan set would be my next choice. I've bought some nice new old stock wrench sets on ebay from Balckhawk, Easco, KD, and Napa in the past to fill road sets with quality USA tools.

 

[rust in the eye]

"for a light duty indoor application. No corrosion, no high torque, only very occasional use."
Given this and your screen name I'd suggest that just about any set from a big box store, wally world or Ebay would suit your needs.
Today's cheap tools are worlds better than decades ago.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

This thread would have been much more streamlined if it started out something like this:

Criteria:
Fractional 12 point combination wrench set.
Short to standard pattern. No XL.
Full polish chrome.
Minimum 5/16-3/4. No skips.
Good quality. Price of no concern.
Smooth open end. Thin box end. No sharp corners.
COO USA preferred. EU, JP, TW considered.
Functional/efficient/portable storage a plus.
No SK.
Something besides Snap-on, but may get Snap-on anyway.

Man that list kicks off a lot of awesome wrenches. I don’t see how the V Series wrenches don’t fit that bill. Personally, I’d be looking at Heyco but they are satin finished. Good little wrenches that have excellent fitting open ends.

 

[finn]

Yes, he said he already has some in the garage for automotive use.

I have Snap-Ons too.

They "ain't all that" in my opinion, too slippery and a bit uncomfortable in use

I have a fairly complete set of metric SnapOn combination wrenches, along with a pretty decent collection of their ratchets, extensions, flare nut wrenches, etc.

While most are a pleasure to use, the combination wrenches are uncomfortable hot garbage to my hands.

I usually reach for my ancient Craftsman or wright combination wrenches before the Snapons.

I thought it was just me.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I actually bought all new Wrights yesterday (I wanted the Wright Grip), but I think if I was after the same thing as you I'd probably go for a set of Williams if USA made matters. If not, any Taiwan set would be my next choice. I've bought some nice new old stock wrench sets on ebay from Balckhawk, Easco, KD, and Napa in the past to fill road sets with quality USA tools.

The Williams have that modified open end that I don't want as I want to keep marring of fasteners to an absolute minimum. Maybe they don't but I don't want to find out.

"for a light duty indoor application. No corrosion, no high torque, only very occasional use."
Given this and your screen name I'd suggest that just about any set from a big box store, wally world or Ebay would suit your needs.
Today's cheap tools are worlds better than decades ago.

Honestly, cost isn't part of the equation here. I considered just getting a set on the Snap On truck today while I was there, but I really didn't want to own two of the same sets. I'm weird like that.

Man that list kicks off a lot of awesome wrenches. I don’t see how the V Series wrenches don’t fit that bill. Personally, I’d be looking at Heyco but they are satin finished. Good little wrenches that have excellent fitting open ends.

The V series does meet what I'm looking for. Not crazy about their dished beams, and after more thought, while their storage is neat, I don't think I need it this time around.


I have a set of Tekton wrenches in my cart. I think I'm going to go with them. They're cheap enough that if I hate them I'll just give them to someone who needs them. Unless there's a reason I shouldn't?

 

[mike93lx]

Just buy the damn tektons